Shelving signage and segregating apparatus

ABSTRACT

A shelf blade unit for use with a shelf unit, the shelf blade unit includes a shelf blade, a removable sleeve, and a coupling mechanism. The shelf blade consisting of a thin material, where, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has a coupling mechanism section and, from a second perspective, has a sleeve section. The removable sleeve mates with the sleeve section, wherein graphical information is contained on at least one surface of the removable sleeve. The coupling mechanism is mechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section and secures the shelf blade unit to a shelf of the shelf unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/069,492,entitled “SHELVING SIGNAGE AND SEGREGATING APPARATUS”, filed Oct. 28,2014, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyand made part of the present U.S. Utility Patent Application for allpurposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to shelving and more particularly toshelving signage apparatus and shelving segregating apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

In retail stores, shelving units are vital for selling product. Theshelving units display the products for sale, which can be readilyaccessed by the patrons. A typical shelving unit may be a metal shelvingwall unit, a metal shelving gondola isle unit, and/or a metal shelvingend cap unit. Each type of metal shelving unit includes a frame, a baseshelf, upper shelves, and a metal cover. The frame includes base shoes,uprights, a metal backing (e.g., a metal pegboard backing), andspreaders (or spanners) for supporting the metal backing. The coverincludes a kick plate, base shoe covers, upright trim covers, uprightend caps, and a top cover.

In many stores that include multiple metal shelving units, each with aplurality of shelves, hundreds to thousands of products are displayed.With so many products, bringing a patrons attention to a particularproduct is often done by having a separate display stand in an aisle,through paper coupons, and/or by signs close to the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a front view diagram of an embodiment of a metal adjustableshelving unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a metal adjustableshelving unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner and an embodimentof a price rail insert in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf liner inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side viewdiagram of an embodiment of a shelf header sign in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side viewdiagram of another embodiment of a shelf header sign in accordance withthe present invention; and

FIGS. 26 and 27 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of anembodiment of a kick plate sign in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of anembodiment of a metal adjustable shelving unit 10 that includes a basicshelving unit and one or more of a shelf header sign 12, a shelf bladeunit 18, and a kick plate sign 20. The basic shelving unit may be ametal shelving wall unit, a metal shelving gondola isle unit, and/or ametal shelving end cap unit and includes a plurality of adjustable metalshelves, a base shelf, a kick plate, and a top cover. Alternatively, orin addition to, the basic shelving unit may include one or more theshelves, frame (or portions thereof), the base shelf, the kick plate,and the top cover implemented using plastic, wood, or some othernon-metallic material.

The shelf blade unit 18 mechanically couples to an adjustable metalshelf 14. A pair of shelf blade units 18 may be used to delineate and/orhighlight one product from another on the shelf. Various examples of theshelf blade unit 18 are discussed with reference to one or more of FIGS.3-18.

The shelf header sign 12 mechanically couples to the top cover and/ortop spreader (spanner) of the metal shelving unit 10. Various examplesof the shelf header sign 12 are discussed with reference to one or moreof FIGS. 23-26.

The kick plate sign 20 mechanically couples to the kick plate of themetal shelving unit 10. An example of the kick plate sign 20 isdiscussed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 27-28.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics area24. The shelf blade 22 may be comprised of plastic, metal, vinyl, tagboard, a paper product, and/or any material that is thin (e.g., lessthan ¼ inch) and has a degree of rigidity. The graphics area 24 is asection of the shelf blade on which graphics, text, bar codes, and/orimages may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, or otherwise affixed.For instance, the graphics area 24 may include a graphics and/or animage of a product along with text describing the product, promoting theproduct, a bar code, and/or pricing information for the product.

The coupling mechanism 26 is attached to, or an integral part of, theshelf blade unit 18. The coupling mechanism 26 provides the mechanicalcoupling of the shelf blade unit 18 to the under side of a metal shelf14 or other type of shelf material. In an example, the couplingmechanism 26 includes one or more magnetics that allows the shelf bladeunit to be magnetically coupled to the under side of a metal shelf. Inanother example, the coupling mechanism may include one or more ofVelcro, hardware, hooks, pins, clips, clasps, etc.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes the shelf blade 22, the coupling mechanism 26, and a removablegraphics sleeve 28. In this embodiment, the shelf blade 22 and couplingmechanism 26 are similar to the corresponding parts discussed withreference to FIG. 3. The removable graphics sleeve 28 includes thegraphics area 24 and slides over an end of the shelf blade 22. Theremovable graphics sleeve 28 may be comprises of the same material asthe shelf blade. By having the graphics area on a removable graphicssleeve, the shelf blade unit 18 can be reused for other types ofproducts by changing the removable graphics sleeve. Further, theremovable graphics sleeve 28 allows for information regarding aparticular product to be readily updated without replacement of theentire shelf blade unit.

In another example, the removable graphics sleeve 28 may be comprised ofa magnetic material that folds over the shelf blade 22. When folded overthe shelf blade, the magnetic material of the removable graphics sleeveholds it in place, but allows for easy removal and replacement.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphics area24. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 3 with a difference beingthat the coupling mechanism 26 is on the bottom of the shelf blade unit18. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism couples to the shelfblade unit to the top of a shelf (metal or otherwise).

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes the shelf blade 22, the coupling mechanism 26, and a removablegraphics sleeve 28. This embodiment is similar to that of FIG. 4 with adifference being that the coupling mechanism is on the bottom of theshelf blade unit. In this embodiment, the coupling mechanism couples tothe shelf blade unit to the top of a shelf (metal or otherwise).

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphicsinsert pocket 32. The shelf blade 22 and coupling mechanism 26 aresimilar to corresponding elements of FIG. 3. The graphics insert pocket32 is a section of the shelf blade 22 in which a graphics insert (e.g.,paper, plastic, vinyl, etc.) may be inserted and subsequently removed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes a shelf blade 22, a coupling mechanism 26, and a graphicsinsert pocket 32. The shelf blade and coupling mechanism are similar tocorresponding elements of FIG. 4. The graphics insert pocket is asection of the shelf blade in which a graphics insert (e.g., paper,plastic, vinyl, etc.) may be inserted and subsequently removed.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelfblade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes a “T”shaped (could also be “L” shaped) front view (FIG. 9) that provides aflat upper surface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g.,glued, clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf bladeunit to be magnetically coupled to the under side of a metal shelf 14.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area34, a graphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket.Further, the shelf blade 22 has a profile to fit most, if not all, typesof gondola shelving units and may have one or more of its cornersrounded. By using a thin and durable material for the shelf blade (e.g.,plastic, vinyl, etc.), the shelf blade 22 does not obstruct a product's“stock keeping unit” (SKU) while bringing attention to the product.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelfblade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes aninverted “T” shaped front view (FIG. 11) that provides a flat bottomsurface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g., glued,clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf blade unitto be magnetically coupled to the topside of a metal shelf.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area34, a graphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket.Further, the shelf blade has a profile to fit most, if not all, types ofgondola shelving units and may have one or more of its corners rounded.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes the shelfblade 22 and one or more magnets 36. The shelf blade 22 includes asideways “T” shaped top view (not shown) that provides a flat rearsurface on which one or more magnets 36 are attached (e.g., glued,clipped, secured via hardware, etc.). This allows the shelf blade unit18 to be magnetically coupled to the metal backing of the metal shelfunit.

The shelf blade 22, from a side view perspective, has a graphics area, agraphics sleeve receptacle area, or a graphics insert pocket. Further,the shelf blade 22 has a profile to fit most, if not all, types ofgondola shelving units and may have one or more of its corners rounded.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes the coupling mechanism 26, the shelf blade 22, and a wirelesscommunication device 38. The wireless communication device 38 may beembedded into the shelf blade 22 or attached thereto. Regardless of howthe wireless communication device 38 is incorporated into the shelfblade unit 18, the wireless communication device 38 functions towirelessly transmit information regarding a product associated with theshelf blade unit 18. For example, the information may be a wirelesscoupon, ingredients, nutritional information, infomercial material, etc.

The wireless communication device 38 may include one or more of memory,a processing module, and a wireless transmitter. For instance, thewireless transmitter may be a Bluetooth transmitter, a near fieldcommunication (NFC), a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, alaser bar code transmitter, etc. The wireless communication device 38may further include a receiver operable to receive updated productinformation, which is stored in the memory.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 thatincludes the coupling mechanism 26, the shelf blade 22, a removablesleeve 28, and a wireless communication device 38. The wirelesscommunication device 38 may be embedded into the removable sleeve 28 orattached thereto. In this manner, the wireless communication device 38can be readily changed and essentially be a disposable device (e.g., anRFID tag).

FIGS. 17 and 18 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram ofanother embodiment of a shelf blade unit 18 that includes a separatecoupling mechanism 26 and a shelf blade 22. The coupling mechanism 26includes a surface on which one or more magnets 36 are mounted. Thecoupling mechanism 26 further includes a shelf blade receptacle 40,which receives a mating interface of the shelf blade 22. In thisexample, the receptacle 40 is shown, from the front view perspective, asan open slot and the shelf blade 22 interface has a “T” shape, or “L”shape.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling mechanism 26 is integratedinto the shelf 14. In this manner, the coupling mechanism 26 may be atfixed locations on the shelf 14 or may be integrated into a track thatallows the coupling mechanism to be positioned at a desired location.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner 50 and anembodiment of a price rail insert 52. Each of the shelf liner 50 and theprice rail insert 52 is comprised of plastic, metal, vinyl, tag board, apaper product, and/or any material that is thin (e.g., less than ¼ inch)and has a degree of rigidity. Each of the shelf liner 50 and the pricerail insert 52 may include a graphics area on which graphics, text, barcodes, and/or images may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, orotherwise affixed. For instance, the graphics area may include agraphics and/or an image of a product along with text describing theproduct, promoting the product, a bar code, and/or pricing informationfor the product. The shelf liner 50 and the price rail insert 52 eachare magnetically coupled to the metal shelf 14. Note that the price railinsert 52 allows for price tags to go over it.

FIG. 20 is a side view diagram of an embodiment of a shelf liner 50 orprice rail insert 52 that includes a plastic layer 54 and a magneticlayer 56. The plastic layer 54 includes the graphics area and themagnetic layer 56 covers substantially the entire plastic layer or oneor more portions thereof. The magnetic layer 56 may include one or morethin magnets or a magnetized metal layer. In either event, the magneticlayer 56 secures the shelf liner 50 or the price rail insert 52 to themetal shelf.

FIG. 21 is a side view diagram of another embodiment of a shelf liner 50or the price rail insert 52 that includes a plastic layer 54 and a metallayer 58. The plastic layer 54 includes the graphics area and the metallayer 58 covers substantially the entire plastic layer or one or moreportions thereof. One or more magnetics 36 are placed on the other sideof the shelf 14 to magnetically hold the shelf liner 50 or the pricerail insert 52 in place.

FIGS. 22 and 23 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side viewdiagram of an embodiment of a shelf header sign 12 that includes a frame60, a coupling mechanism 62, a transparent (or translucent) front panel64, an opaque back panel 66, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs)68, a control circuit 70, and a power source 72. The transparent frontpanel 64 may have printed, embossed, engraved, etched, or otherwiseaffixed a translucent logo, text, graphics, and/or image. When one ormore LEDs 68 are on, a backlight illuminates the front panel and thelogo, text, graphics, and/or image is illuminated.

The control circuit 70 includes a processing module, memory, and one ormore switches. The processing module is programmed to enable the LEDs 68in a pattern, wherein the LEDs are physically distributed behind thefront panel 64. For instance, all of the LEDs 68 may be continuouslyenabled to provide a constant backlight source. As another example, theLEDs 68 may be sequentially enabled to provide a rolling or waterfalltype lighting effect. As yet another example, the LEDs 68 may be ofdifferent colors and enabled in a variety of patterns and combinationsto provide varying and colorful backlighting.

The power source 72 may be a battery, a rechargeable battery with awireless battery charger, a power supply and/or some other type ofdevice for sourcing power. The battery may any type of battery, orcombination of batteries, that provide 1.5 V, 4.3 V, 6 V, 12 V, or othervoltage level output voltages. The wireless battery charger may includea wireless power conversion source that converts NFC wireless signalsand/or light into power, which is used to charge the batteries. Thepower supply may be an AC/DC power converter, a DC/DC converter, orother type of converter. Regardless of the particular type of the powersource, it provides the power for the control circuit and the LEDs.

The coupling mechanism 62 mechanically couples the shelf header sign 12to the top cover and/or the top spreader (spanner) of the shelf unit 10.In one example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes a plurality ofmagnets to magnetically couple the shelf header sign to the shelf unit.In another example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes one or moreclamps that clamp the shelf header sign to the shelf unit. In yetanother example, the coupling mechanism 62 includes hardware to securethe shelf header sign to the shelf unit. There are a variety of examplesfor the coupling mechanism including, but not limited to, clips, pins,clasps, etc.

FIGS. 24 and 25 are a front view diagram and a cross-sectional side viewdiagram of another embodiment of a shelf header sign 12 that includes aframe 60 (top and bottom 60-1 and 60-2), a coupling mechanism 62, afront panel video screen 74, a video projector circuit 76, videoprocessing circuit and memory 78, and a power source 72. The frame,coupling mechanism, and the power source are similar to thecorresponding elements of FIGS. 22 and 23.

In an example of operation, the video processing circuit provides avideo/graphics output signal to the video projector circuit 76, whichprojects the video and/or graphics image onto the front panel videoscreen 74. For example, a DLP pico projector development kit may be usedas a reference design for the video processing circuit and memory 78,and the video projector circuit 76.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are a front view diagram and a side view diagram of anembodiment of a kick plate sign 20 that includes a coupling mechanism 80and a logo/graphics area. In one embodiment, the kick plate sign 20 maybe implemented similarly to the shelf header sign of FIGS. 22 and 23. Inanother embodiment, the kick plate sign may be implemented similarly tothe shelf header sign of FIGS. 24 and 25.

In yet another embodiment, the kick plate sign 20 may include a framefor supporting an insert. The insert is comprised of plastic, metal,vinyl, tag board, a paper product, and/or any material that is thin(e.g., less than ¼ inch) and has a degree of rigidity. The insertincludes a graphics area on which graphics, text, bar codes, and/orimages may be printed, etched, embossed, adhered, or otherwise affixed.For instance, the graphics area may include a graphics and/or an imageof a product along with text describing the product, promoting theproduct, a bar code, and/or pricing information for the product. Theinsert may be magnetically coupled to the frame of the kick plate sign.Note that the kick plate frame includes a coupling mechanism thatmagnetically (or otherwise mechanically) couples to the kick plate ofthe shelf unit.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, audio, etc., any of which may generally be referred to as‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or“coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirectcoupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes,but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or amodule) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening itemdoes not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its currentlevel, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupledto” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more itscorresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to oneor more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term“associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separateitems and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a singleprocessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or furtherinclude, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be asingle memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embeddedcircuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory,random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, staticmemory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any devicethat stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more thanone processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc., described withreference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further,from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same orsimilarly named functions, steps, modules, etc., that may use the sameor different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps,modules, etc., may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules,etc., or different ones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf blade unit for use with a shelf unit, theshelf blade unit comprises: a shelf blade consisting of a thin material,wherein, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has a couplingmechanism section and, from a second perspective, the shelf blade has agraphics section for displaying graphics information; and a couplingmechanism mechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section,wherein the coupling mechanism secures the shelf blade unit to a shelfof the shelf unit.
 2. The shelf blade unit of claim 1 further comprises:the coupling mechanism section being on a bottom edge of the shelf bladesuch that the shelf blade unit mounts to a top of the shelf.
 3. Theshelf blade unit of claim 1 further comprises: the coupling mechanismsection being on a top edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf bladeunit mounts to a bottom of the shelf.
 4. The shelf blade unit of claim1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: one or more magnets.
 5. Theshelf blade unit of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: amagnetic mounting platform; and a shelf blade receptacle for mating witha mating interface of the shelf blade.
 6. The shelf blade unit of claim1 further comprises: a wireless communication device attached to, orintegrated into, the shelf blade.
 7. The shelf blade unit of claim 1,wherein the graphics information comprises one or more of: graphics,text, bar codes, and images.
 8. A shelf blade unit for use with a shelfunit, the shelf blade unit comprises: a shelf blade consisting of a thinmaterial, wherein, from a first perspective, the shelf blade has acoupling mechanism section and, from a second perspective, the shelfblade has a sleeve section; a removable sleeve that mates with thesleeve section, wherein graphical information is contained on at leastone surface of the removable sleeve; and a coupling mechanismmechanically secured to the coupling mechanism section, wherein thecoupling mechanism secures the shelf blade unit to a shelf of the shelfunit.
 9. The shelf blade unit of claim 8 further comprises: the couplingmechanism section being on a bottom edge of the shelf blade such thatthe shelf blade unit mounts to a top of the shelf.
 10. The shelf bladeunit of claim 8 further comprises: the coupling mechanism section beingon a top edge of the shelf blade such that the shelf blade unit mountsto a bottom of the shelf.
 11. The shelf blade unit of claim 8, whereinthe coupling mechanism comprises: one or more magnets.
 12. The shelfblade unit of claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises: amagnetic mounting platform; and a shelf blade receptacle for mating witha mating interface of the shelf blade.
 13. The shelf blade unit of claim8 further comprises: a wireless communication device attached to, orintegrated into, the removable sleeve.
 14. The shelf blade unit of claim8, wherein the graphics information comprises one or more of: graphics,text, bar codes, and images.